Grace and Betrayal: Lessons from the Last Supper
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the events of the Last Supper, focusing on the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. We began by emphasizing the importance of supporting missionaries and the blessings that come from giving. We then transitioned to the scene of the Last Supper, where Jesus, fully aware of His impending betrayal and crucifixion, extended grace and love even to Judas, the one who would betray Him. This act of grace underscores the boundless love of Jesus, who loves us to the end despite our flaws and failures.
We explored the emotional and spiritual turmoil Jesus experienced, knowing that one of His closest followers would betray Him. This betrayal was not a surprise to Jesus; He knew the hearts of all His disciples, just as He knows our hearts today. Despite this, He continued to extend grace and offer opportunities for repentance, demonstrating His unwavering love and mercy.
The sermon also highlighted the significance of Jesus' actions during the Last Supper, including the institution of the Lord's Supper and the washing of the disciples' feet. These acts were not just rituals but profound demonstrations of servanthood, humility, and love. Jesus' command to serve one another as He served them is a call to all believers to live out their faith through acts of love and service.
We concluded with a solemn warning about the consequences of rejecting God's grace. Judas' ultimate fate serves as a stark reminder that while God's grace is abundant, it is not to be taken for granted. There comes a point when the opportunity for repentance may pass, and spiritual darkness can overtake those who persist in their rebellion against God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Supporting Missions: Supporting missionaries is a vital part of our Christian duty. It extends the reach of the gospel and brings spiritual light to those in darkness. By giving above our tithes and offerings, we participate in God's global mission and receive His blessings in return. [05:04]
2. Jesus' Unwavering Love and Grace: Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus extended grace and love to him. This act demonstrates that Jesus' love is unconditional and extends to all, even those who betray Him. It is a powerful reminder that God's grace is always available, but it requires our response. [55:00]
3. The Call to Servanthood: Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet and His institution of the Lord's Supper are profound acts of servanthood and humility. As followers of Christ, we are called to serve one another in love, following the example set by Jesus. This servanthood is a tangible expression of our faith. [41:31]
4. God's Foreknowledge and Our Response: Jesus knew the hearts of His disciples and the events that would unfold. This foreknowledge did not deter Him from extending grace. Similarly, God knows our hearts and offers us grace and opportunities for repentance. Our response to this grace determines our spiritual destiny. [48:43]
5. The Consequences of Rejecting Grace: Judas' betrayal and ultimate fate serve as a warning about the dangers of rejecting God's grace. While God's love is boundless, there comes a point when persistent rebellion leads to spiritual darkness and separation from God. It is crucial to respond to God's grace while there is still time. [01:09:31]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [05:04] - Importance of Supporting Missions
3. [05:30] - Prayer for Offering
4. [06:08] - Announcements and Worship
5. [39:50] - The Last Supper Context
6. [41:31] - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
7. [42:57] - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal
8. [43:55] - Judas Identified as the Betrayer
9. [44:21] - Jesus' Emotional Turmoil
10. [47:11] - Nothing Catches God Off Guard
11. [49:22] - Road to Emmaus Reflection
12. [51:21] - Jesus' Presence in Our Hopelessness
13. [55:00] - Grace Extended to Judas
14. [01:03:23] - The Warning to Fake Christians
15. [01:09:31] - The Consequences of Rejecting Grace
16. [01:14:29] - The Bloom of Christ in the Church
17. [01:20:56] - Communion Service
18. [01:23:32] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 13:1-30
2. Psalm 41:9
3. Matthew 26:20-25
### Observation Questions
1. What significant actions did Jesus perform during the Last Supper, and what do they symbolize? ([41:31])
2. How did Jesus demonstrate His foreknowledge of Judas' betrayal? ([42:57])
3. What was the reaction of the disciples when Jesus announced that one of them would betray Him? ([43:28])
4. How did Jesus extend grace to Judas even though He knew Judas would betray Him? ([55:00])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet teach us about servanthood and humility? ([41:31])
2. How does Jesus' foreknowledge of His betrayal and His response to it reflect His divine nature and mission? ([48:43])
3. In what ways does Judas' betrayal serve as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's grace? ([01:09:31])
4. How can we understand the emotional and spiritual turmoil Jesus experienced during the Last Supper in light of His love and grace? ([47:11])
### Application Questions
1. Supporting missionaries is emphasized as a vital part of our Christian duty. Do you have a missions budget in your life? If not, what steps can you take to start supporting missions? ([05:04])
2. Jesus extended grace and love to Judas despite knowing he would betray Him. How can you extend grace and love to someone in your life who has wronged you? ([55:00])
3. Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet is a profound act of servanthood. What are some practical ways you can serve others in your community or church this week? ([41:31])
4. Reflect on a time when you felt betrayed or hurt by someone close to you. How did you respond, and how can Jesus' example guide you in future situations? ([47:11])
5. The sermon warns about the consequences of rejecting God's grace. Are there areas in your life where you have been resisting God's call? What steps can you take to respond to His grace today? ([01:09:31])
6. Jesus knew the hearts of His disciples and extended grace despite their flaws. How can you cultivate a heart of grace and forgiveness towards others, knowing that God knows your heart as well? ([48:43])
7. The sermon calls us to live out our faith through acts of love and service. Identify one specific act of love or service you can commit to this week and share it with the group. ([41:31])
Devotional
Day 1: The Blessing of Supporting Missions
Supporting missionaries is a vital part of our Christian duty. It extends the reach of the gospel and brings spiritual light to those in darkness. By giving above our tithes and offerings, we participate in God's global mission and receive His blessings in return. When we support missions, we are not only helping to spread the gospel but also aligning ourselves with God's heart for the lost. This act of giving is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in God's provision. It is a reminder that we are part of a larger body of Christ, working together to fulfill the Great Commission.
Supporting missions also brings blessings to the giver. As we give generously, we experience the joy of partnering with God in His work. Our faith is strengthened as we see the impact of our contributions on the lives of others. Moreover, God promises to bless those who give cheerfully and sacrificially. By supporting missions, we are investing in eternal treasures and participating in the advancement of God's kingdom. [05:04]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Reflection: Think of a missionary or mission organization you know. How can you support them this week, whether through prayer, financial giving, or encouragement?
Day 2: Jesus' Unwavering Love and Grace
Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus extended grace and love to him. This act demonstrates that Jesus' love is unconditional and extends to all, even those who betray Him. It is a powerful reminder that God's grace is always available, but it requires our response. Jesus' love for Judas, even in the face of betrayal, shows the depth of His compassion and mercy. He did not withhold His love or grace, even though He knew the pain and suffering that Judas' actions would cause.
This unwavering love and grace are available to us today. No matter our past mistakes or failures, Jesus offers us His love and forgiveness. He knows our hearts and still chooses to extend His grace to us. This should inspire us to respond to His love with repentance and a desire to follow Him more closely. It also challenges us to extend grace and love to others, even when they hurt or betray us. [55:00]
John 13:1 (ESV): "Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who has hurt you? How can you extend grace and love to them, following Jesus' example?
Day 3: The Call to Servanthood
Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet and His institution of the Lord's Supper are profound acts of servanthood and humility. As followers of Christ, we are called to serve one another in love, following the example set by Jesus. This servanthood is a tangible expression of our faith. Jesus demonstrated that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humble service to others. By washing His disciples' feet, He showed that no task is too lowly for those who follow Him.
This call to servanthood challenges us to examine our own attitudes and actions. Are we willing to serve others selflessly, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable? Serving others is not just about performing acts of kindness; it is about adopting a posture of humility and love in all our interactions. It is a way of living that reflects the heart of Jesus and brings glory to God. [41:31]
John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Reflection: Identify a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you demonstrate Christ-like humility and love in this act of service?
Day 4: God's Foreknowledge and Our Response
Jesus knew the hearts of His disciples and the events that would unfold. This foreknowledge did not deter Him from extending grace. Similarly, God knows our hearts and offers us grace and opportunities for repentance. Our response to this grace determines our spiritual destiny. God's foreknowledge is a testament to His omniscience and sovereignty. He knows our thoughts, intentions, and actions even before we do. Yet, He still chooses to offer us His grace and mercy.
Our response to God's grace is crucial. We have the choice to accept His love and forgiveness or to reject it. This decision has eternal implications. Accepting God's grace leads to a transformed life and a restored relationship with Him. Rejecting it leads to spiritual darkness and separation from God. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of our choices and the need to respond to God's grace with humility and repentance. [48:43]
Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."
Reflection: Reflect on your response to God's grace. Are there areas in your life where you need to repent and accept His forgiveness?
Day 5: The Consequences of Rejecting Grace
Judas' betrayal and ultimate fate serve as a warning about the dangers of rejecting God's grace. While God's love is boundless, there comes a point when persistent rebellion leads to spiritual darkness and separation from God. It is crucial to respond to God's grace while there is still time. Judas had multiple opportunities to repent and turn back to Jesus, but he chose to persist in his rebellion. His story is a tragic reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's grace.
This warning is relevant for us today. We must not take God's grace for granted or assume that we have unlimited time to respond. The opportunity for repentance is a gift that should be seized with urgency. Persisting in sin and rebellion hardens our hearts and leads to spiritual death. It is a call to examine our lives and ensure that we are living in alignment with God's will, responding to His grace with gratitude and obedience. [01:09:31]
Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV): "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's grace? What steps can you take today to turn back to Him and avoid the consequences of persistent rebellion?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When your world gets rocked by unforeseen circumstances and you have that feeling of hopelessness, you feel forsaken, you feel lost, understand this: God knows. So many times we are like those two disciples on the road to Emmaus and we are walking in our what we feel is our forsakenness, our abandonment, our hopelessness. And Jesus is right there and we don't even recognize it." [51:21] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There is nothing that Jesus doesn't know about us and yet He still loves us to the end. That doesn't mean that everybody's gonna be saved. Well Jesus loves everybody though. Yes. But he can't save everybody if they will not cooperate. If they do not surrender. If they do not give themselves to him. If they do not surrender themselves to his cleansing power." [56:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Don't let night fall on you. Take advantage of every opportunity God gives to repent. Amen. Hallelujah. Let that cleansing flow flood over your life." [01:14:29] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Let's take this gospel out of these four walls and tell others. Compel them. Compel them to come in. Amen. Compel them to come in. Praise the Lord." [01:23:32] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Nothing catches God off guard. Nothing catches Jesus off guard. He knows the heart of man. He knows each one of us better than we know ourselves. The psalmist said, Thou hast searched me. You have known me. You know when I sit down. You know when I rise up. You understand my thoughts. Even the ones that are afar off. You compass my path. You surround me. And my lying down. You are acquainted with all my ways." [47:47] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He is extending grace. Jesus knows within hours he's going to be dead. He knows that out of all the Passovers that has ever taken place, he is there that night. The symbol has come to fruition. I am. I am the Passover lamb. Out of all the lambs that were being slaughtered that day, Jesus says, I am the lamb of God. That's going to take away the sins of the world. And Judas, that same lamb died for you, Judas. Extending grace." [57:38] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Judas had the behavior of a saint, but the heart of a devil. And I think there's a warning for us. A warning. And an appeal to fake Christians. The warning is that you can fool everybody in the church, but you can never fool Christ. Because he knows everything. He gives you an opportunity to repent." [01:05:37] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "While God gives us opportunity after opportunity to repent, do not frustrate the grace of God. Genesis three. My spirit shall not always strive with man. There comes a point when you have no more time. Time is up. The day is gone. Judgment has come. And Jesus says. Fine. Have it your way. Just go do. What you going to do? Just go get it done. Hurry up. Go on." [01:10:20] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Hell thought that it was about to extinguish the light of the world and bring about the darkness. Darkness. The darkest darkness. Imaginable. But hell got it all wrong. Amen. That seed was going to fall into the ground. it was going to blossom. That's what we see today. The bloom. The bloom of Christ. In the church. That he founded. Amen." [01:14:29] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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